I have done a couple of surveys of photos on listings in Lilburn, GA. It is pretty interesting to see how many pictures are included on local homes for sale. It is also a bit annoying... because there are still WAY too many homes that aren't being represented well.
Here is some base data for listings in the last 30 days:
- 12.5% had no pictures.
- 7.5% had 1 picture.
- 8.8% had between 2 and 5 pictures.
- 18.8% had between 6 and 9 pictures.
- 52.5% had between 10 and 12 pictures.
Additionally...
- 16.3% had virtual tours.
FMLS, one of our local Multiple Listing Services in the Atlanta, GA area, allows 12 pictures and a virtual tour. Entirely too few agents are taking advantage of those capabilities.
Virtual tours can be had for almost nothing... those aren't the best solution, but at least they are something. And pictures are easy to shoot. There is no excuse for having no pictures... or anything less than a half dozen for a single family home. Granted, some agents aren't very good at taking pictures... but it isn't terribly expensive to hire a photographer. Heck, I spent 10 years as a professional photographer and I still hire out the photos for some of my listings because they can shoot them better than I can.
I know the reasons why many listings don't get the promotion they deserve... it's money and time. Truthfully, it is embarrassing. Too many agents don't want to spend any money or time on their listings for fear that they won't sell... talk about a self-fulfilling prophecy... If the properties aren't well promoted, they won't sell.
I believe in having a full complement of quality pictures, as well as a virtual tour... and videos... and a full website. And I believe that EVERY listing deserves that kind of promotion.
I'm adding custom signs to the mix now...
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